Get research help around the clock

Published: 17 August 2011

No matter whether you’re up with the lark or burning the midnight oil, services from the RCN’s e-library are available to help you 24 hours a day. As well as a range of online journals, searches and databases, you can also make use of the virtual enquiry service, which can provide answers to research questions around the clock.

Perfect for your training needs

The virtual enquiry service was set up to help members with all their information-related queries, from support for searching online databases to where to find guidelines on specific aspects of nursing care. Using instant messaging, it’s possible to chat online with an RCN information professional to get all the help you need without the cost of a telephone call. It’s available from Monday to Friday between 11am and 5pm and on Saturdays from 10am until 4pm, except in August.

However, there is now an out-of-hours service, too. This makes use of time zone differences so an information professional at work in another country will be able to answer your query at night. The service is currently a collaborative effort between information professionals in the UK and Australia and operates from midnight to 11am Sunday to Friday UK time. The ultimate aim is to provide a virtual enquiry service whenever you need information.

Using the service

‘Annie’, an HCA, contacted the virtual enquiry service recently to ask about how to pursue her career aspirations. The example conversation below highlights how you too could take advantage of the resource.

Annie: I want to start nurse training in 2014. Please can you advise me on getting the qualifications needed to apply for a degree in adult nursing?

Librarian: Hi, welcome to the RCN Library's Virtual Enquiry Service. I'm reading your question and will be with you in a moment.

Librarian: Are you a health care assistant at the moment?

Annie: Yes, an HCA NVQ3 in a hospice. But I’d like to start my training once my youngest child starts school. Do you think an online access course is a good idea?

Librarian: It sounds sensible, but there’s an RCN officer who advises on careers; she’d be the best person to help. I’ll forward your query to her. She’ll probably email you, but would you be available now for a chat.

Annie: Oh yes, please call me on 01234 56789.

Librarian: OK. In the meantime there’s the NHS Careers website, which has information about working as a nurse and qualifications needed. Here’s the link: http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=1944 
 
Annie: thank you for all your help

Librarian: I’ve left a message with the adviser and I’ll email her with your details. She’ll arrange a time to talk.

Annie: That’s brilliant, thanks. Look forward to hearing from someone soon.

Librarian: There are also couple of relevant areas on the RCN website: have you already created a password? You’ll need it.

Librarian: The career development section in the RCN Learning Zone www.rcn.org.uk/development/learning/learningzone/my_portfolio/career_development

Librarian: There’s also the RCN e-library www.rcn.org.uk/development/library/elibrary – you’ll find databases and journal articles. A lot of the articles are available full text – there are over 700 full-text journals. Also the RCN Library Catalogue and our e-books collection.

Librarian: Would you be interested in a ‘webinar’ (a seminar using the internet and telephone) to find out how to use these resources?

Annie: Yes, please

Librarian: Just go to: www.rcn.org.uk/development/library/elibrary/training_sessions/webinar_training_sessions. You'll also receive a transcript of our chat into your e-mail box to remind you of these links.

Annie: Cheers!

Librarian: Finally, we’ve got pages specifically for HCAs. www.rcn.org.uk/development/health_care_support_workers

Annie: Thanks, I’ll have a look. And thanks for all your help. It’s good to know that advice is not far away as this is my first contact with the RCN.

Librarian: Bye then – hope to hear from you again!

Annie: Cheers. Goodbye!